Relocation count-down (Kenai, Kodiak, Sterling: homes, rent, travel)

[NicoleDiana]

I've been saving up for both a trip to Alaska and then a planned relocation after the fact. Right now, it looks as if I'll book a 5-7 day trip in late May/early June. The sole intention of my trip is to drop in on assorted smaller/remote areas to see which one feels like home. Ahead of my trip, I thought I'd get feedback from folks online. If I tell you a bit about me, would you mind making a few suggestions for areas I should check into when I get there?

What I like

• hiking
• camping
• ATVs
• nature
• small towns
• friendly locals
• nature
• traveling
• cabins/simple homes
• snow
• mountains
• lakes,rivers,streams,oceans

Don't like

• city life
• subdivisions
• drugs
• drama
• loud crowded places (shopping centers, nightclubs, etc.)

Like I mentioned, this isn't one of those deals where somebody wakes up one day, loads the car and heads to Alaska without money or a plan. I expect to take at least 12 months to plan the move (if not more).

I'm currently a supervisor at a medical office but am not overly concerned about a change in careers or pay, as long as my salary covers my simple lifestyle.

One other question I have that might seem weird is this: how well do domestic animals take the climate in more remote areas? My "family" consists of me (32 / single woman), Bailey (Great Dane) and Muffin (shorthair cat). I know the cat would be fine but the dog will need to get out and about so one consideration I have to make is how he would adjust.

Any feedback on town suggestions is greatly appreciated. What do you or do you not recommend? Why or why not?

Thanks so much!
Nicole

[mal_flisk]

Okay. First areas to check are Kodiak, Kenai Peninsula and the Alaska Peninsula. These areas have all of the good requirements and none of the bad. Actual towns are: Kodiak, Homer, Kasilof, Anchor Point, Kenai, Sterling, Soldotna, Cooper Landing (hate the highway through that place), Seward, Hope, King Salmon, Cold Bay, Naknek (kind of a real backwater). After those, possibly a couple of places on Prince William Sound: Valdez and Cordova. Weather in those places named above is relatively mild, but Valdez and Cordova get BURIED in snow in winter. 300+" is average. If you can face colder climes than say a Chicago style winter, there are many other possibilities.
Dogs do just fine. Prepare him for winter by spending a large amount of time outdoors so he can develop a winter coat.

[NicoleDiana]

Originally Posted by mal_flisk

Okay. First areas to check are Kodiak, Kenai Peninsula and the Alaska Peninsula. These areas have all of the good requirements and none of the bad. Actual towns are: Kodiak, Homer, Kasilof, Anchor Point, Kenai, Sterling, Soldotna, Cooper Landing (hate the highway through that place), Seward, Hope, King Salmon, Cold Bay, Naknek (kind of a real backwater). After those, possibly a couple of places on Prince William Sound: Valdez and Cordova. Weather in those places named above is relatively mild, but Valdez and Cordova get BURIED in snow in winter. 300+" is average. If you can face colder climes than say a Chicago style winter, there are many other possibilities.
Dogs do just fine. Prepare him for winter by spending a large amount of time outdoors so he can develop a winter coat.

Thank you for that list. Several people have almost mentioned Homer in particular, as well as Valdez. As for facing worse than a "Chicago style winter", I suspect that I can. I went through some of the worst winters in Germany ever on record but do realize that Alaska might still have more in store for me than that. Seems logical that I start somewhere like you mentioned that has "all of the good and none of the bad."

[mal_flisk]

Homer is a little larger than a lot of those towns (aside from Seward, Valdez). Very popular with the art crowd. Good retirement area for some. Anchor Point is about 20 miles north of Homer, maybe 500-600 people. Clam Gulch is up that way too. If you're looking for seclusion, those would be my choice, exceot Clam Gulch is popular with folks like me and mine clamming on the beach.

[Rance]

Darn near anywhere on the penninsula is great!